History

Back in 1889…

10 WEST MAIN ST. (1931-1948)

CHARLES MARTIN (1889)

CHARLES MARTIN (1889)

PORT MARTIN (1949)

Martin’s Jewelers began as a small watchman’s bench in a pharmacy in 1889. He later opened a jewelry store of his own on West Main Street near the present location of Seafirst Bank. He filled the shelves with cut glass items, clocks, and he lined the glass cases with jewelry and pocket watches. Those were the days when you bought the pocket watch movement you wanted and then picked out the watch case you wanted it in. Charles Martin’s wife, Hazel, worked by his side in the store. Together they kept the business alive through the hard times brought on by the Depression. The store changed location a number of times, and is now located at 18 East Main Street.

Until Today …

OUR STORE TODAY AT 18 EAST MAIN STREET

ERIN MASON WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS SINCE SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL

Port Martin, Charles’ son, learned the jewelry trade working with his father in the 1930’s and 1940’s. He earned $3.00 a week, including room and board. He remembers playing in the back rooms as a child, and his father telling him “You’re going to be a jeweler.” Port sold the business to his daughter and son-in-law Paul and Mary Eagon when he retired in 1982. Soon to join them was Paul’s brother Rich Eagon. Paul and Rich have since retired and Martin’s Jewelers is now owned by Charles’ great granddaughter Erin Mason (pictured), who is a graduate gemologist. She also carries on the tradition of working on watches, which has been passed down through the generations.